Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope

by Orion

• Orion SpaceProbe 130ST EQ (307 x 130mm) Telescope

Product Details

Product Manual [428kb PDF]

• Shipping Information: View shipping rates and policies
• ASIN: B0000XMSJI
• Item model number: SpaceProbe 130ST EQ
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #413 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
  • #3 in Camera & Photo > Binoculars, Telescopes & Optics > Telescopes > Reflectors
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 1, 2003

Product Description

The SpaceProbe 130ST EQ is a rich-field Newtonian reflector with a tube only 24" long compared to the 33" tube length of the standard 130 EQ. The focal length of the ST's 130mm (5.1") primary mirror is 650mm (f/5), producing a wider field of view and brighter images for a given eyepiece focal length. The diffraction-limited parabolic primary mirror is the same type used on much larger reflectors costing substantially more. On a short-focal-length design like this one, a parabolic mirror is a must for delivering sharp, detailed images. This scope package includes an EQ-2 equatorial mount with dual setting circles and manual slow-motion controls, adjustable aluminum tripod with accessory tray, two Plossl eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), and a 6x30 achromatic finder scope. One-year limited warranty.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

127 of 130 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Views! March 5, 2006

By Psychman

First of all, everything I know about using a telescope comes from the Orion website. They have articulate, concise, and well written articles/tutorials/star charts, that gently introduce beginners to the hobby FOR FREE! Second, and most importantly, this little scope is amazing! I live in suburbia next to a street lamp, and down the road from an obnoxiously bright Walmart. Even with the moon setting in the western sky, I could easily see Saturn, and the Cassini Division. In the week that I've owned the scope, I have also seen Sirrius, Mars, and spectacular views of the moon w/ terminator. My house blocks the northern sky from the backyard, so I haven't been able to Polar align the scope yet. But with a star chart, objects are relatively easy to find using the finder scope. The 130mm aperature captures a lot of light! Deep sky images are wonderful with high contrast and wide field of view. Planetary images are very well defined with higher magnification eyepieces. I have had the best luck setting the tripod in grass, because hard surfaces tend to cause a little vibration. Additionally, the physics of the EQ2 mount may necessitate an above average degree of mechanical aptitude (The original owner I bought it from assembled it completely wrong, and even discounted the price because she thought it was missing parts, which it wasn't)! I can't wait to take it away from the city lights! I highly recommend this telescope for its quality and value (even when purchased new). I also recommend the company for its dedication to my enjoyment of the hobby, even though they made no profit from my purchase (yet! They've won me over for the next one though).

91 of 93 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing telescope June 12, 2007

By Teresa Harris

I purchased the 130St about two years ago ever since I've had nothing

but enjoyment from this telescope. On my first observation I picked up

the double cluster in Perseus(NGC869 and NGC884) which was so clear the

stars looked like bright pinpoints of perpendicularly crossed lights.

Venus was also quite amazing to see, its cresent disk could be easely

and clearly seen. I later on saw Saturn you can easily see its rings

and moons,and Jupiter was a sight to see with propper focusing you could

easily see its cloud belts. Galaxy's where clearly seen on dark nights

,but don't expect to much on galaxy's because they are so far away even

a twelve inch scope won't pick up much more than a five inch scope.

I can't say enough good about this telescope it comes with great accessories and every thing you need to get you going.

71 of 73 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great scope for quick and casual viewing May 14, 2007

By S. Abdelli

Amazon Verified Purchase

I already own an 8 inch GOTO telescope, and although I love it, it is quite an affair to setup, and is quite heavy. I leave my 130 ST scope in the garage, and can be observing in a few minutes. The scope is light but stable, and sturdy. The adjusments are smooth, and with the optional drive, I can track stars, if I will be viewing for a longer time. The planets came sharply into view, so I think it is a great intermediate scope, and one you can take with you on a trip.

(The manual was also very clear)